Let’s be real — periods are a huge part of life for millions of us, but we’re still taught to suffer through the pain, stay quiet about the discomfort, and not ask too many questions. In today’s episode, I'm joined by Kate Helen Downey, host of the incredible podcast CRAMPED, who is on a mission to change that. We’re getting into everything you should have been taught about your body but probably weren’t –– the truth about hormones, the reality of living with endometriosis (endo) and PCOS, why the system isn’t built for menstruating bodies, and how period pain is affecting our wallets, careers, and overall health. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pain is "normal" (hint: if it’s wrecking your day, it’s not!), or felt dismissed by doctors when you tried to get answers, this conversation will make you feel seen. We’re breaking down the phases of your hormonal cycle, what debilitating period symptoms might be telling you, and why advocating for your health — even when the system is stacked against you — is an act of radical self-care. Kate’s Links: Website: https://www.katehelendowney.com/ CRAMPED podcast: https://www.katehelendowney.com/cramped Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katehelendowney/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateiscramped Read transcripts, learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at https://herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-show-notes/229-periods-hormones-endo-pcos-and-everything-you-need-to-know-with-kate-helen-downey/ Looking for accountability, live coaching, and deeper financial education? Check out our exclusive community! Join the $100K Club: https://herfirst100k.com/100k-pod Our favorite travel and cash-back credit cards, plus other financial resources: https://herfirst100k.com/tools Not sure where to start on your financial journey? Take our FREE money personality quiz! https://herfirst100k.com/quiz Special thanks to our sponsors: Squarespace Go to www.squarespace.com/FFPOD to save 10% off your first website or domain purchase. Rocket Money Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/FFPOD. Quince For your next trip, treat yourself to the luxe upgrades you deserve from Quince. Go to Quince.com/FFPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Netsuite Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/FFPOD. Masterclass Get an additional 15% off any annual membership at Masterclass.com/FFPOD. Indeed Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com/FFPOD. ZocDoc Visit Zocdoc.com/FFPOD to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. ResortPass Visit Resortpass.com and use code FFPOD to get $20 off your first ResortPass experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.